After a disappointing opener to their 2026 season, the Los Angeles Rams were able to pick themselves up and dust themselves off with a decisive win over the New York Giants last Monday night. However, as the hopeful Super Bowl contenders regain their rhythm, they're already dealing with a ton of notable injury adversity. For one, big-fish trade acquisition, star pass-rusher Myles Garrett, will actually need at least six weeks before he returns to action following knee surgery
.Second, it's unclear when, exactly, the Rams' No. 1 receiver, Puka Nacua, will be ready to play and make his customary impact for Matthew Stafford and Co.
That's the latest grim update as Nacua is officially listed as doubtful for the Rams' Sunday night road game against
the Denver Broncos with a groin injury. With Nacua likely out of the big primetime matchup, the Rams will have to continue adjusting as an offense that's kind of, sort of built around Nacua's skillset. They will likely keep leaning on veteran playmaker Davante Adams as their downfield table-setter.
What's interesting about the latest Nacua update is that surgery reportedly could now be on the table for the receiver. Nacua hasn't been recovering as the Rams have expected. Los Angeles is apparently not yet concerned about the injury lingering, but it is monitoring the situation accordingly. Surgery isn't being seriously considered for one of the Rams' best players, but the idea has been raised, which suggests a notable regression for Nacua as he tries to return to the field.
Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua, who is doubtful for Sunday night’s game at Denver but could return as soon as next week against the Eagles, has been dealing with mainly a groin injury that has impacted his explosiveness, per league sources. Functinally, Nacua can play, but he has… pic.twitter.com/odi11NFcic
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 27, 2026
Nacua hasn't played since the Rams' Week 1 defeat at the hands of the San Francisco 49ers. Adams posted an impressive eight catches for 195 yards and two touchdowns in the Rams' win against the Giants without Nacua. He may need to continue enjoying similar performances for Los Angeles with Nacua on the mend.
Who is Puka Nacua's backup on the Rams?
Konata Mumpfield is listed as Nacua's official backup on the Rams' depth chart. Mumpfield is in his second NFL season after being drafted in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: When will Puka Nacua come back to the Rams?
